Cambridge City Council meeting - January 27, 2020 - AGENDA
CITY MANAGER'S AGENDA
1. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the recommendation to reappointment of Gerard Clark as a member of the Cambridge Housing Authority (CHA) Board of Commissioners for a term of 5-years.
Referred to Housing Committee
Jan 27, 2020
To the Honorable, the City Council:I am hereby transmitting my recommendation of the reappointment of Gerard Clark to the Cambridge Housing Authority Board of Director for a term of five years, effective Jan 27, 2020.
Mr. Clark has been a dedicated advocate for the rights of residents and employees of public housing. Mr. Clarks’ knowledge and experience are needed more now than ever as the Cambridge Housing Authority continues to transition their portfolio out of the public housing program. Mr. Clark currently serves as the Chairperson of the Board.
This recommendation is fully supported by Executive Director of the Cambridge Housing Authority Michael Johnston.
In accordance with M.G. L. Chapter 121B, Section 5, I am submitting Mr. Clark's name for City Council confirmation as a Commissioner of the Cambridge Housing Authority. I am further requesting that this recommendation be forwarded to the Housing Committee for a public hearing as outlined in City Council Rule Number 32C.
Very truly yours, Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager
2. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appointment of the following person as a new member of the Affordable Housing Trust Board for a term of three years, effective Jan 22, 2020: Elaine DeRosa
Placed on File
Jan 27, 2020
To the Honorable, the City Council:I am hereby transmitting notification of the appointment of Elaine DeRosa as a new member of the Affordable Housing Trust Board for a term of three years, effective Jan 22, 2020.
Ms. DeRosa spent four decades working at Cambridge Economic Opportunity Committee, Inc. (CEOC), 30 years of which she was the Executive Director where she provided individual tenant advocacy and developed and advocated for public policy for the preservation and development of affordable housing in Cambridge and statewide.
Ms. DeRosa is currently a member of the Cambridge Housing Authority Board.
Ms. DeRosa will bring decades of commitment and passion of insuring affordable housing for low-income individuals and families throughout Cambridge.
Very truly yours, Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager
3. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the reappointment of the following members of the LGBTQ+ Commissioner for a term of three years, effective Feb 6, 2020: Mal Malme, Robert Parlin, Aren Stone, Catherine Grams, Noelani Kamelamela, Gregory MacDonough and Britt Huhmann
Placed on File
Jan 27, 2020
To the Honorable, the City Council:I am hereby transmitting notification of the reappointment of members of the LGBTQ+ Commissioner for a term of three years, effective Feb 6, 2020:
Mal Malme
Mal Malme is a theater artist, and professional medical clown with The Foundation for Laughter as well as a volunteer for various organizations. Mal has been an active member of the LGBTQ+ Commission for several terms and among other things has been one of the key organizers of Commission events.Robert Parlin
Robert Parlin is a History Teacher at Newton South High School. Among other things he launched the Gay-Straight Alliance in Newton South High School in 1991 and has been active in getting more such organizations in other schools. He is the co-founder of GLSEN (The Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network). He has been a member of the LGBTQ+ Commission since it was first formed in 2005.Aren Stone
Aren Stone is a Child Development Specialist and Intake Coordinator in the Early Years Project at the Guidance Center/Riverside Community Care. She has been a member of the LGBTQ+ Commission for several terms and has been serving as a co-chair doing lots of work outside of Commission meetings.Catherine Grams
Catherine (Kate) is a nurse practitioner, mother, and active resident within Cambridge. She holds a master’s degree in nursing from University of Rochester and a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Loyola University. Kate was first appointed to the LGBTQ+ Commission in 2017.Noelani Kamelamela
Noe is a political activist and Assistant Deacon at the First Parish in Cambridge. She is also a member of the Massachusetts Pirate Party and volunteer at Medical Reserve Corps. Noe was first appointed to the LGBTQ+ Commission in 2017.Gregory MacDonough
Greg currently works at MIT’s Institutional Resource Office. He has interned volunteered for several Massachusetts organizations and political campaigns. He is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Greg was first appointed to the LGBTQ+ Commission in 2017.Britt Huhmann
Britt currently works as an analyst in a data analytics firm. Britt holds a doctoral degree from MIT, a master’s degree from The University of Iowa, and a bachelor’s degree from Washington University in St. Louis. Britt was first appointed to the LGBTQ+ Commission for a 1 year term filling a vacant slot in 2019.
4. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $46,000 from Free Cash to the General Fund Elections Department Salary and Wages account ($6,145) and to the General Fund Elections Department Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($39,855) which will be used to cover the additional costs associated with recently approved early voting for the Presidential Primary, Mar 3rd, 2020.
Order Adopted 9-0
Jan 27, 2020
To the Honorable, the City Council:I am hereby requesting the appropriation of $46,000 from Free Cash to the General Fund Elections Department Salary and Wages account ($6,145) and to the General Fund Elections Department Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($39,855).
Funds will be used to cover the additional costs associated with recently approved early voting for the Presidential Primary, Mar 3rd, 2020. The State Legislature recently approved early voting for the upcoming Presidential Primary, which was not included as part of the FY20 budget.
Early voting will begin on Mon Feb 24, 2020 and will end on Fri Feb 28, 2020. Funds will be used to cover early voting guides and postage, election voting worker training, election vendor and auditor, and early voting worker temporary salaries.
Very truly yours, Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager
5. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of the FY2020 Cultural Investment Portfolio Program Grant from the Massachusetts Cultural Council in the amount of $12,100 to the Grant Fund Historical Commission Salaries and Wages account ($11,000), and Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($1,100) which will continue to support part-time archives assistants, who maintain the public archive of Cambridge history, as well as archival storage supplies.
Order Adopted 9-0
6. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $50,000 from the Cambridge Community Foundation to support the Agenda for Children Out of School Time Initiative to the Grant Fund Department of Human Service Programs Salary and Wages account ($5,000) and to the Grant Fund Department of Human Service Programs Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($45,000).
Order Adopted 9-0
7. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 19-118, regarding a report on senior scams and fraud.
Placed on File
8. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 19-120, regarding idling vehicles enforcement.
Placed on File
9. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $400,000 from Free Cash to the Public Investment Fund Public Works Extraordinary Expenditures Account for the design of improvements at the River Street Firehouse.
Order Adopted 9-0
10. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $300,000 from Free Cash to the Public Investment Fund Public Works Extraordinary Expenditures Account for the design of improvements at the Lexington Avenue Firehouse.
Order Adopted 9-0
11. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $500,000 from Free Cash, to the Public Investment Fund Public Works Extraordinary Expenditures Account for interior floor concrete slab repairs at Lafayette and Inman Square Firehouses.
Order Adopted 9-0
12. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $300,000 from Free Cash, to the Public Investment Fund Public Works Extraordinary Expenditures Account to support the completion of Clarendon Avenue Playground.
Order Adopted 9-0
ON THE TABLE
1. An application was received from Scott Kenton, requesting permission for a curb cut at the premises numbered 9 Pine Street; said petition has received approval from Inspectional Services, Traffic, Parking and Transportation, Historical Commission and Public Works. No response has been received from the neighborhood association.
Order Adopted (Zondervan - NO; Sobrinho-Wheeler - PRESENT)
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
2. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 18-108, regarding a report on offering early voting in City Council and School Committee Elections. [PENDING RESPONSE FROM LEGISLATURE]
3. Fuel pump warning labels [PASSED TO SECOND READING ON JAN 13, 2020 TO BE ORDAINED ON OR AFTER JAN 23, 2020.]
Ordained 7-1-0-1 (Toomey - NO; Simmons - PRESENT)
APPLICATIONS AND PETITIONS
1. An application was received from Patrick Barrett, requesting permission for a curb cut at the premises numbered 907 Main Street; said petition has received approval from Inspectional Services, Traffic, Parking and Transportation, Historical Commission and Public Works. No response has been received from the neighborhood association.
Order Adopted
2. A petition was received from MIT List Visual Arts Center, requesting permission for fifteen banners on poles along Ames Street to promote the Galleries and their programming from Feb 5, 2020 thru Sept 31, 2020.
Order Adopted
3. A petition was received from Massachusetts Institute of Technology, requesting permission for (189) one hundred and eighty-nine banners on poles along Massachusetts Avenue on existing wires at Norfolk and JFK Streets, poles in Harvard Square, poles along Massachusetts Avenue from Vassar Street to Harvard Square, poles along Broadway from Ellery Street to Felton Street, poles along Cambridge Street from Trowbridge to Hovey Streets and poles in Kendall Square to publicize the upcoming Cambridge Science Festival from Mar 16, 2020 thru Apr 27, 2020.
Order Adopted
COMMUNICATIONS
1. A communication was received from the Combined Cambridge Business Association, regarding new environmental initiatives including the proposed Natural Gas regulation.
2. A communication was received from Robert J. La Tremouille, regarding Harvard Square upzoning.
3. A communication was received from Robert J. La Tremouille, regarding Harvard Square upzoning part 2.
4. A communication was received from residents of the Cambridge, regarding installing hearing loop technology inside the Sullivan Chamber.
5. A communication was received from Green Cambridge, regarding extend the temporary moratorium on removing healthy, significant trees through the end of 2020.
6. A communication was received from Sarah Griffith, regarding Gas Ban.
7. A communication was received from Peter Valentine, regarding What does it mean to be on American of the USA.
8. A communication was received from Peter Valentine, regarding stop using year numbers.
9. A communication was received from Nicola Williams, 8 Brewer Street, regarding Policy Orders POR 2020 #4 and POR 2020 #2.
10. A communication was received from Luke Edson, 5 Frost Street, regarding support for APP 2020 #1.
11. A communication was received from Peter Valentine, regarding the name of Central Square.
12. A communication was received from Sarah Diehl, 25 Wheeler Street, regarding Tree Protection.
13. A communication was received from Elizabeth Gombosi, 42 Irving Street, regarding policy order to extend tree protections.
14. A communication was received from Susan Donaldson, 187 Harvey Street, regarding New Construction Gas Ban.
15. A communication was received from David Mazumder, 500 Memorial Drive, regarding Support for New Building Gas Ban.
16. A communication was received from Carol O'Hare and Walter McDonald, 172 Magazine Street, regarding extending the tree protection moratorium.
17. A communication was received from Tucker Delaney-Winn, regarding bold action to address Climate Change.
18. A communication was received from Carolyn Gaebler, regarding Climate Action.
19. A communication was received from Chantal Eide, regarding extending the tree cutting moratorium.
20. A communication was received from Peter Cortes, regarding Tree Ordinance.
21. A communication was received from Robert Levin, 11 Remington Street, regarding the Harvard Square Upzoning.
22. A communication was received from Florrie Wescoat, regarding support for the TPO Extension policy order.
23. A communication was received from Gaurab Basu, regarding the gas ban in new construction.
24. A communication was received from Cynthia Strong Hibbard, 23 Ellsworth Avenue, regarding Natural Gas Ban in New Construction.
25. A communication was received from Ilan Levy, 148 Spring Street, regarding not approving the STIR until the City provides more information.
26. A communication was received from Gary Mello, Franklin Street, regarding Manager Agenda Item #4.
27. A communication was received from Hasson Rashid, 820 Massachusetts Avenue, regarding CMA agenda items 1-12 and any other agenda items that relates perfectly or indirectly to Homeless and Poverty.
28. A communication was received from Fritz Donovan, 42 Irving Street, regarding welcoming City Ordinance #9.
29. A communication was received from Peter L. Cohen, regarding the regulation of Trees on Private Property.
30. A communication was received from Allen Ames, regarding Committee Report #1.
31. A communication was received from Nancy Donohue, regarding Committee Report #1 prohibition of Natural Gas Infrastructure.
RESOLUTIONS
1. Welcome to Dr. Robin DiAngelo Councillor Simmons
2. Congratulations to Sydney Cox for 45 Years at DPW. Councillor Simmons
R-2 Jan 27, 2020
COUNCILLOR SIMMONSWHEREAS: On January 16, 2020, a celebration was held in honor of Sydney Cox for his 45 years of dedicated work as part of the Public Works Department; and
WHEREAS: The People of Cambridge have been truly fortunate to have such caring, hardworking people like Sydney Cox working on their behalf every single day, and his commitment to providing excellent service is truly appreciated by all; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City Council formally go on record thanking Sydney Cox for his 45 years of service to the City of Cambridge as a member of the Public Works Department; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution to Sydney Cox on behalf of the entire City Council.
3. Resolution on the death of Kathy Simmons. Councillor Simmons
4. Congratulations to Darlene Lombos. Councillor Simmons - NOT CORRECT
Amended
5. Resolution on the death of Gloria Adkins. Councillor Simmons
6. Resolution on the death of Ralph Hoagland III. Councillor Toomey
7. Resolution on the death of Corey McClintic. Councillor Toomey
8. Resolution on the death of Steven Sousa. Councillor Toomey
9. Resolution on the death of Brian M. Sullivan. Councillor Toomey
10. Happy 70th Birthday wishes to a special person. Councillor Toomey
11. Resolution on the death of Richard B. Griffin. Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Carlone
Amended
R-11 Jan 27, 2020
VICE MAYOR MALLON
COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
COUNCILLOR CARLONEWHEREAS: The City Council was deeply saddened at learning of the death of Richard B. Griffin on Jan 20, 2020; and
WHEREAS: Richard was born in Peabody, Massachusetts on Aug 19, 1928 to the late John H. Griffin and Alice (Barry) Griffin; and
WHEREAS: Richard was active in the Jesuit community, becoming an ordained priest in 1962 and remaining spiritual for the rest of his life; and
WHEREAS: After being released from his vows in 1975, Richard began a dedicated career focused on the field of aging, serving as the Director of the Cambridge Council on Aging for eight years; and
WHEREAS: At the Cambridge Chronicle, Richard also served as a journalist, writing his bimonthly column “Growing Older,” where he discussed both the challenges and the joys of aging, until his retirement in 2018; and
WHEREAS: Richard’s passing will leave a void in the lives of his surviving family; his devoted wife Susan, his daughter Emily, his siblings Maureen, Kevin, Carol, and Gerald, his sisters-in-law Mary Rose and Wynne, and his many nieces and nephews; and
WHEREAS: Richard will be sorely missed by all he touched and loved; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record extending its deepest sympathy for the family of Richard B. Griffin at this time of such personal loss; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution to the Griffin family on behalf of the entire City Council.
12. Congratulations to Shy Bird on being named one of Boston Globe's "29 Best New Restaurants in Boston and the suburbs." Councillor Toomey
13. Wishing Deborah L. Anderson a Happiest 90th Birthday. Mayor Siddiqui
14. Retirement of Maryann MacDonald from the School Department. Councillor Simmons
15. Wishing Dosha Beard a swift and full recovery. Councillor Simmons
16. Resolution on the death of Julia Hogan Jackson. Councillor Simmons
17. Retirement of Barbara Allen from the School Department. Councillor Simmons
18. Speedy recovery wishes to Maureen Frisoli. Councillor McGovern
ORDERS
1. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Commissioner of Public Works on updating the department’s maintenance plan with an emphasis on cleaning open-trash receptacles more frequently. Councillor Toomey
Order Adopted 9-0
2. That the City Manager be and is hereby requested to confer with the Cambridge Police Commissioner and other relevant departments to determine the feasibility of purchasing sensory bags for Police vehicles as a pilot program. Vice Mayor Mallon, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons, Councillor McGovern
Order Adopted 9-0
3. That the City Manager is requested to work with all relevant city and state departments to amend the Do Not Enter sign at the entrance of Whittemore Avenue from Alewife Brook Parkway to include an exception for abutters. Councillor McGovern
Order Adopted 9-0
4. Cancellation of the Regular City Council Meeting Mar 9, 2020. Mayor Siddiqui
Order Adopted 9-0
5. That the City Manager is requested to confer with relevant City Departments, and, where relevant, the MBTA and counterparts in other municipalities for routes not wholly in Cambridge, on the feasibility of instituting and funding a fare-free pilot bus program. Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Mayor Siddiqui
Order Adopted as Amended 9-0
6. That the Mayor is requested to schedule a Roundtable/Working Meeting for members of the City Council and School Committee for Tues, Feb 11, 2020. Mayor Siddiqui
Order Adopted 9-0
7. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Director of the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department on the potential for implementing sufficient traffic-calming solutions on Upton Street. Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor McGovern
Order Adopted 9-0
8. That the City Manager is requested to confer with relevant City departments regarding the acquisition and implementation of interpretation services for City Council meetings and other public City meetings. Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor McGovern
Order Adopted as Amended 9-0
9. That the Cambridge City Council amend the Municipal Ordinances of the City of Cambridge to insert a new Chapter 2.129, entitled WELCOMING COMMUNITY ORDINANCE. Councillor Carlone, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Zondervan, Mayor Siddiqui
Passed to a 2nd Reading
10. Declare Jan 31, 2020 as “Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and Earned Income Tax Credit Awareness Day" in the City of Cambridge. Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Toomey
Order Adopted 9-0
COMMUNICATIONS AND REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICERS
1. A communication was received from Mayor Sumbul Siddiqui communicating information from the School Committee Regular Meeting on Jan 21, 2020.
Placed on File
To: Cambridge City Council
From: Sumbul Siddiqui, Mayor
Date: Jan 23, 2020
Subject: Communicating information from School Committee Meeting Jan 21, 2020To the Honorable, the City Council:
The School Committee and administration held its first Community Meeting on Jan 21, 2020, inviting input from staff on the FY21 School Department Budget Priorities. I have attached the presentation for your review. A similar Community Meeting and presentation will be held this Sat, Jan 25 at 10:00am at the Cambridge Senior Center, 850 Mass Ave., for parents and caregivers. The input from the two Community Meetings will be reviewed at the upcoming School Committee Budget Retreat on Tues, Jan 28 at 6:00pm in the Dr. Henrietta Attles Meeting Room.
During the School Committee’s Regular Business Meeting on Tues, Jan 21, Superintendent Kenneth Salim provided an update on the Committee’s priorities for 2019-2020; this presentation is attached. It should be noted that the CPS school district has committed to 1) improve the investigation and response system for racist incidents and other inappropriate behavior reported by students regarding adult staff members; 2) design mandatory staff strategy on anti-racism and racial equity issues; and 3) center the voices of families of color, while actively engaging with parents and caregivers around issues of equity and racial equity. Additionally, on Jan 30 CPS will launch a new newsletter focused on equity, with regular updates surrounding these commitments.
At last Tuesday’s meeting the School Committee also approved a motion calling for a School Committee Retreat with district administrators and the Building Equity Bridges leadership team. The purpose of this retreat will be to provide an opportunity for developing a shared understanding of the work raised in each of the twelve areas outlined by the Building Equity Bridges movement, as well as recommend policies that strengthen the district’s racial equity and anti-racism work. I will be providing future correspondence on how the City Council can best support this work in partnership with the School Committee. Please contact me with any questions or concerns.
Respectfully,
Sumbul Siddiqui
2. A communication was received from Councillor Zondervan, transmitting a memorandum with additional materials regarding Calendar Item #1 from Jan 27, 2020 City Council meeting.
Placed on File
COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. Report of the Ordinance Committee - Committee Meeting - Dec 11, 2019, 2:00pm
Present: Carlone, Devereux, Kelley, Mallon, Siddiqui, Zondervan
Report Accepted, Placed on File
A. That the City Manager is requested to direct the City Solicitor, Community Development, Public Works, Inspectional Services and any other related departments to review the proposed amendments regarding the prohibition of Natural Gas Infrastructure in New Buildings. Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Carlone, Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Devereux
TabledOrder Jan 27, 2020 (original Order Oct 7, 2019)
COUNCILLOR ZONDERVAN
COUNCILLOR CARLONE
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
VICE MAYOR DEVEREUX
WHEREAS: Cambridge’s Climate Vulnerability Assessment has established that many Cambridge residents are vulnerable to (and are already experiencing) extreme heat and flooding impacts from climate change, underscoring the need to rapidly reduce our emissions to avoid even worse impacts in the future; and
WHEREAS: Scientific evidence has established that natural gas combustion, procurement, and transportation produce significant greenhouse gas emissions that worsen the climate crisis; and
WHEREAS: Cambridge first declared a climate emergency in 2009 and has a goal of reaching zero emissions no later than 2050; and
WHEREAS: In order to reach these goals, new buildings will have to use electric heating and cooling equipment (chiefly ground and air source heat pumps) that is powered by electricity generated from renewable sources such as wind and solar; and
WHEREAS: All-electric buildings are cheaper to build than those that use natural gas for heating, and the price of natural gas is expected to significantly increase in the future; and
WHEREAS: Retrofitting buildings that are designed to rely on natural gas infrastructure is a costly proposition that will take decades to complete, and it makes no sense to add more such buildings now, only to have to retrofit them later; and
WHEREAS: Cambridge’s aging natural gas infrastructure represents a severe and omnipresent danger to all residents, and expanding this infrastructure to meet additional demand from new buildings would further increase and prolong these risks and keep the City locked in to using natural gas in the future; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the attached proposed amendments to the municipal code be referred to the Ordinance Committee for a hearing and consideration; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the City Solicitor, Community Development, Public Works, Inspectional Services and any other related departments to review the proposed amendments and report back to the Council no later than the end of October.B. That the city manager convene stakeholder meetings to make comments on the implementation of banning gas. Mayor Siddiqui
Order Adopted 9-0Order Jan 27, 2020
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
WHEREAS: The Ordinance Committee met on December 11, 2019 to discuss the banning of natural gas infrastructure in new construction.
WHEREAS: The Ordinance committee voted to send the following policy order to the full city council for adoption.
ORDERED: That the city manager convene stakeholder meetings to make comments on the implementation of banning gas.
2. Report of the Neighborhood & Long Term Planning, Public Facilities, Arts & Celebration Committee - Committee Meeting - Dec 19, 2019, 5:30pm
Present: Zondervan, Carlone, Siddiqui
Charter Right - Zondervan
A. That the City Manager work with the Carnival Committee to enhance the Cambridge Carnival event, allocate the necessary funds, and develop a comprehensive public safety plan, including contingency plans so that the event can take place in a secure time and place, even in the presence of significant threats that can be anticipated. Councillor Zondervan
Charter Right - Zondervan
3. Report of the Health & Environment Committee - Committee Meeting - Jan 22, 2020, 2:30pm
Present: Zondervan, McGovern, Nolan, Sobrinho-Wheeler
Report Accepted, Placed on File
A. Motion presented by the Health and Environment Committee to insert the words " or until a new city wide tree protection ordinance is passed" after the first appearance of the words "December 31, 2020" in the proposed ordinance.
Order Adopted 6-3 (Mallon, Simmons, Toomey - NO)B. TPO Extension PO. Councillor Zondervan
Passed to a 2nd Reading as Amended 7-2 (Simmons, Toomey - NO)Order Jan 27, 2020
COUNCILLOR ZONDERVAN
WHEREAS: Cambridge’s tree canopy has shrunk by nearly 20% over the last decade; and
WHEREAS: Amendments made to the Tree Protection Ordinance (TPO) last year which restrict the removal of “significant trees” on private property will expire on March 11, 2020 if no action is taken; and
WHEREAS: On November 12, 2019, the city and consultants presented a thorough and impressive report to the Health & Environment Committee on a long term approach to reversing the canopy decline, rooted in recommendations from the Urban Forest Master Plan Task Force which met 13 times between June 2018 and April 2019; and
WHEREAS: The report, which contains numerous recommendations on lasting changes that should be made to the TPO, was originally scheduled to be released in June 2019 but was delayed; and
WHEREAS: The report is excellent and deserves careful deliberation and discussion by the city council, and it would be a great disservice to rush this conversation in an attempt to overhaul the ordinance ahead of the March 11, 2020 expiration date; and
WHEREAS: At the same time, it would be a travesty to let the temporary amendments to the TPO expire without any new language, as doing so would almost certainly result in a massive citywide cutting spree, worsening our canopy decline and erasing any positive impact the temporary amendments might have had; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That section 8.66.055 of the municipal ordinances of the City of Cambridge, entitled “Procedure for Other Significant Tree Removals” be amend by substitution to read as follows:
“For any significant tree removal not subject to 8.66.050, a permit will be required from the City Arborist. In all cases, the City Arborist shall keep a record of the type and size of tree removed, the reason for the removal, photographs of the tree documenting the reason for removal, the date, the contractor(s) involved, and the name and address of the property owner. No such permits will be issued until December 31, 2020 or sooner by further amendment to this section, except for emergency circumstances, significant utility infrastructure projects undertaken pursuant to State or Federal regulations or programs, for City park projects, or where a tree poses significant negative impact to an adjacent existing structure, or for dead or dangerous trees, or where a lot is of such density with existing trees that the removal of certain significant trees is considered beneficial to the health of the tree canopy. Any tree removed in violation of this section, prior to December 31, 2020, shall require a payment into the tree replacement fund as per section 8.66.070 according to a schedule as follows: 10% of the replacement value for property owners who qualify for the City of Cambridge residential real property tax exemption, no fee for property owners that receive established forms of financial assistance, and the full replacement cost in all other circumstances. The value to be paid into the tree replacement fund shall be equivalent to the cost of purchasing, planting, watering and maintaining said Replacement Trees for a period of not less than five years.”
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record expressing a clear intent to pass comprehensive amendments to the TPO, based off the recommendations of the task force, well ahead the new proposed deadline of December 2020.
HEARING SCHEDULE
Mon, Jan 27
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber - televised)
Thurs, Jan 30
5:30pm The Ordinance Committee will meet to reconvene its hearing on the Harvard Square Zoning Petition. (Sullivan Chamber - televised)
Mon, Feb 3
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber - televised)
Wed, Feb 5
5:30pm The Ordinance Committee will meet to reconvene its hearing on the Alexandria Grand Junction Pathway Overlay District. (Sullivan Chamber - televised)
Mon, Feb 10
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber - televised)
Wed, Feb 12
5:30pm The Ordinance Committee will meet for a hearing on an order to amend section 11.202(b) of the zoning ordinance. (Sullivan Chamber - televised)
Tues, Feb 18
5:30pm The Ordinance Committee will meet for a hearing on a petition to amend the definition of family in the Cambridge the zoning ordinance. (Sullivan Chamber - televised)
Mon, Feb 24
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber - televised)
Mon, Mar 2
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber - televised)
Mon, Mar 9
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber - televised)
Mon, Mar 16
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber - televised)
Mon, Mar 23
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber - televised)
Mon, Mar 30
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber - televised)
Mon, Apr 6
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber - televised)
Mon, Apr 13
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber - televised)
Mon, Apr 27
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber - televised)
TEXT OF ORDERS
O-1 Jan 27, 2020
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
WHEREAS: The open-top trash receptacles that are still used in many parts of the City are frequently at capacity and waste overflow has caused the buildup of sludge, rodents and foul smells; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Commissioner of Public Works on updating the department’s maintenance plan with an emphasis on cleaning the open-trash receptacles more frequently and report back to the Council on this matter no later the Feb 10, 2020 meeting.
O-2 Jan 27, 2020
VICE MAYOR MALLON
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN
WHEREAS: 14% of students in Cambridge Public Schools who have an Individualized Education Program (IEP) are identified as having Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), which is over 200 children in Cambridge; and
WHEREAS: Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), especially children, may find it overwhelming to be in stressful situations, such as those that require Police attention; and
WHEREAS: Many individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) find sensory items help them remain calm by providing an outlet for energy; and
WHEREAS: Some municipalities in the United States, such as Clearcreek Township, OH, Brunswick, OH, and Frankenmuth, MI, have equipped First Responders with “sensory bags” filled with items to be used when responding to a scene involving someone who has Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD); and
WHEREAS: These sensory bags contain items that can keep an individuals’ hands busy, reduce noise, and help them communicate with First Responders, which can make for a better experience when a person with ASD is faced with a stressful situation; and
WHEREAS: Cambridge Police Officers receive Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) training during a 40 hour Crisis Intervention Training, but could benefit from having additional tools to keep residents who have ASD calm during Police interactions; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and is hereby requested to confer with the Cambridge Police Commissioner and other relevant departments to determine the feasibility of purchasing sensory bags for Police vehicles as a pilot program; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager report back to the Council in time for the FY21 budget.
O-3 Jan 27, 2020
COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN
WHEREAS: Alewife Brook Parkway experiences crippling congestion daily between the Concord Turnpike interchange and Massachusetts Avenue during the evening rush hours that can ensnarl commuters through numerous light cycles; and
WHEREAS: For those who reside on Whittemore Avenue or one of its connecting streets, access to this residential neighborhood is cut off from 3:00pm to 7:00pm even to abutters, causing further consumption of time, fuel, and road space as residents are forced to drive through the Massachusetts Avenue intersection; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with all relevant city and state departments to amend the Do Not Enter sign at the entrance of Whittemore Avenue from Alewife Brook Parkway to include an exception for abutters.
O-4 Jan 27, 2020
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
WHEREAS: The 2020 Congressional City Conference hosted by the National League of Cities will take place from Sun, Mar 8th through Wed, Mar 11th in Washington, D.C.; and
WHEREAS: A majority of City Councillors will be attending the Conference, making quorum impossible; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the Regular City Council Meeting scheduled for Mon, Mar 9, 2020, be and hereby is cancelled.
O-5 Jan 27, 2020 Amended
VICE MAYOR MALLON
COUNCILLOR SOBRINHO-WHEELER
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
WHEREAS: Public transportation offers a crucial service to Cambridge residents, as 28% of residents rely on public transportation to get to work, and a quarter of a million public transportation rides start or end in Cambridge each day; and
WHEREAS: The cost of public transportation can be burdensome for low-income residents, especially after the MBTA fare increases during Summer 2019; and
WHEREAS: The City already supports transit access for low-income residents by, for example, providing free MBTA passes to eligible Cambridge Rindge and Latin School students, but increasing the scope of transit justice efforts could benefit vulnerable communities; and
WHEREAS: Other municipalities across the United States, including Lawrence, MA, Kansas City, MO, and Olympia, WA, have found success with implementing free public transportation pilot programs, experiencing increased ridership, quicker boarding, more efficient and timely route coverage, and positive community feedback, and the Boston City Council is considering a fare-free bus route; and
WHEREAS: Cambridge has a vested interest in encouraging public transportation use, as increasing ridership and decreasing car trips aligns with the City’s Climate Action Plan, and overarching commitment to sustainability; and
WHEREAS: Furthermore, free public transportation would support the Envision Cambridge mobility goals on equity and accessibility, as well as climate mitigation and resilience; and
WHEREAS: Creating a pilot program for one bus route that has a high level of ridership and high connectivity levels within Cambridge, such as the #1, #68 or #69 routes, could grant meaningful insight on the feasibility of expanding free ridership in the future; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and is hereby requested to confer with relevant City Departments, and, where relevant, the MBTA and counterparts in other municipalities for routes not wholly in Cambridge, on the feasibility of instituting and funding a fare-free pilot bus program; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council in a timely manner.
O-6 Jan 27, 2020
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
ORDERED: That the Mayor be and hereby is requested to schedule a Roundtable/Working Meeting for members of the City Council and School Committee for Tues, Feb 11, 2020 at 5:30pm in the Henrietta Attles Meeting Room at the Cambridge Rindge and Latin School, 459 Broadway, to begin discussions on a preliminary budget for Fiscal Year 2021.
O-7 Jan 27, 2020
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN
WHEREAS: It has come to the attention of the City Council that families and administrators of the Amigos School, 15 Upton Street, feel that Upton Street is in need of sufficient traffic-calming interventions to better ensure the safety of students, caregivers, staff, and residents; and
WHEREAS: Examples of potential traffic-calming interventions include: 1) adding a posted School Zone sign (with blinking lights and flashing speed limit numbers during morning arrival and afternoon dismissal times); 2) increasing the presence of uniformed police to incentivize drivers to reduce vehicle speeds while driving on Upton St.; 3) the addition of a speed-bump or other speed-lowering infrastructure on Upton St.; and 4) the addition of a posted Do Not Enter sign at the Pleasant St. end of Upton St. (entering from Magazine St., exiting onto Pleasant St.) that would designate Upton St. as a one-way street for a time period of one hour, to coincide with the morning drop-off period (i.e. 8:00am-9:00am, or a slightly expanded time frame, e.g. 7:30am-9:30am), on school days only; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Director of the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department on the potential for implementing sufficient traffic-calming solutions on Upton Street, including but not limited to those mentioned above, and report back to the City Council on this matter in a timely matter.
O-8 Jan 27, 2020 Amended
COUNCILLOR SOBRINHO-WHEELER
COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN
WHEREAS: Cambridge has for decades been a diverse city with thousands of residents across the city who speak languages other than English; and
WHEREAS: According to the City’s 2019 Neighborhood Statistical Profile, more than 30% of all Cambridge residents speak a language other than English at home; and
WHEREAS: Boston University study found that residents who give public comment at public meetings in Eastern Massachusetts municipalities are more likely to be white, older, and more well-off than residents of the municipalities as a whole; and
WHEREAS: The lack of interpretation services may serve as a barrier for Cambridge residents wishing to observe and participate in City Council meetings and other public meetings conducted primarily in English; and
WHEREAS: Other cities including Malden, MA have begun to explore the use of interpretation services so that residents can listen to, and participate in, City Council meetings in the language with which they are most familiar; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with relevant City departments regarding the acquisition and implementation of interpretation services for City Council meetings and other public City meetings; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council in time for the FY21 budget.
O-9 Jan 27, 2020
COUNCILLOR CARLONE
COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN
COUNCILLOR ZONDERVAN
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
WHEREAS On May 6, 2019 the Cambridge City Council introduced the Welcoming City Ordinance and referred it to the Ordinance Committee; and
WHEREAS On Oct. 2, 2019, the Ordinance Committee met but were unable to deliberate because the City Solicitor was not prepared to discuss said ordinance; and
WHEREAS The Welcoming City Ordinance was placed on file due to the end of the 2018-2019 legislative session, requiring reintroduction; and
WHEREAS The City of Cambridge is a proud supporter of our Sanctuary City status, but there is no codified ordinance establishing itself as such; now therefore be it
ORDERED That the Cambridge City Council amend the Municipal Ordinances of the City of Cambridge to insert a new Chapter 2.129, entitled WELCOMING COMMUNITY ORDINANCE, to read as follows:
2.129.010 - PURPOSE.
The purpose of this ordinance is to establish the City of Cambridge as a Welcoming City, to declare that all are welcome here, and to increase public confidence in Cambridge’s government by providing guidelines associated with our city’s voluntary involvement in federal immigration enforcement.2.129.020 - PREAMBLE
It is not within the purview nor mandate of Cambridge to enforce federal immigration law or seek the detention, transfer or deportation of Cambridge residents for civil immigration purposes, nor should Cambridge’s resources be expended toward that end.The City of Cambridge will equally enforce the law and serve the public without consideration of immigration status, citizenship, national origin, race, or ethnicity.
2.129.030 – DEFINITIONS
“ICE” means the federal agency “Immigration and Customs Enforcement (“ICE”), and any other federal agency charged with the enforcement of immigration laws. “Immigration detainers” and “ICE detainers” are requests made by federal immigration officials, including but not limited to those authorized under Section 287.7 of Title 8 of the Code of Federal Regulations to local Law Enforcement or Courts to voluntarily maintain custody of an individual once that individual is released from local custody, and/or to notify a federal agency before the pending release of an individual.“ICE administrative warrant” means a warrant, notice to appear, removal order, warrant of deportation, or other ICE custody document (I-200, I-203, I-205 or another listed in the National Crime Information Database (NCIC)) issued by a federal immigration official, not a judicial officer, and not based on a finding of probable cause for an alleged criminal law violation.
2.129.040 – ORDER
a. Equal treatment. Cambridge will treat all persons equally, enforce laws, and serve the public without consideration of immigration status. Citizenship, immigration status, national origin, race, and ethnicity shall have no bearing on an individual's treatment by employees or officers of Cambridge agencies or departments. Inquiries about immigration status. Officers and employees of the city may not inquire about the immigration status of any victim, suspect, arrestee, 911 caller, or other member of the public with whom they have contact, except as required to provide a public benefit.b. Role of police in immigration enforcement. The city’s police department will not initiate investigations or take law enforcement action on the sole basis of actual or perceived immigration status, including the initiation of a stop, an apprehension or arrest. The Cambridge Police Department shall not take part in or assist with federal immigration enforcement operations, with the exception that the Department will actively assist in Federal human trafficking operations.
c. ICE detainers and administrative warrants. Consistent with Massachusetts law, no officer or employee of the Cambridge Police Department may arrest or detain an individual solely on the basis of an ICE detainer or ICE administrative warrant. This includes extending the length of detention by any amount of time once an individual is released from local custody, or before being transferred to court or admitted to bail.
d. Federal requests for information. No officer or employee of a the Cambridge Police Department shall provide a federal officer with the following information relating to a person in the custody of the Department: information about an individual’s incarceration status, length of detention, home address, work address, personal information other than citizenship or immigration status, hearing information, or pending release, except information that is available through the Massachusetts Public Records Laws, G.L, c. 66, section 10 and G.L. c. 4, section 7 (twenty-sixth).
e. Encountering persons driving without a license. When acting against a person who is found to be driving without a valid driver’s license, officers of the Cambridge Police Department shall, whenever possible and if there are no other violations causing the person to be arrested, issue a summons to court instead of taking the person into custody. In such circumstances, the law enforcement officer taking action shall endeavor to provide the driver a reasonable opportunity to arrange for a properly licensed operator to drive the vehicle before seeking to impound the vehicle.
f. Notice to individuals subject to ICE interventions. If the Cambridge Police Department receives an immigration detainer or ICE administrative warrant for a person in its custody, the Department shall provide the person with a copy of such detainer request or administrative warrant, and any other documentation it possesses pertaining to the person’s immigration case.
g. ICE access to facilities. Except in response to a judicial warrant or other court order, ICE agents shall not be allowed access to individuals in custody either in person or via telephone or videoconference.
h. U Visa Certification. In furtherance of the US Victims of Trafficking and Violence Prevention Act, the Cambridge Police Department shall consider a U Visa certification request if an individual (i.) is the victim of a qualifying crime, and (ii.) has been, is being, or will likely be helpful in the investigation/prosecution of that crime.
i. Raids and other immigration enforcement actions. No officer or employee of the Cambridge Police Department may participate in an operation led by a federal agency to detain persons for deportation purposes, except in response to a request to assist with support services deemed necessary to ensure officer safety or to prevent a breach of the peace during a federal operation, such as requests to establish traffic perimeters, control traffic or provide police escort.
j. Deputizing of local officials. No officer or employee of the Cambridge Police Department shall perform the functions of an immigration officer, whether pursuant to 8 U.S.C. section 1357(g) or any other law, regulation, or policy, whether formal or informal.
k. School records and enrollment. No employee of the Cambridge Public Schools shall require a student or parent to provide information regarding their immigration or citizenship status to establish the student’s residency in the district for enrollment purposes. If such information becomes known to an employee of the Cambridge Public Schools, such information shall not be kept or distributed, and shall have no bearing of the student’s ability to register for school or the school’s treatment of that student. Information collected regarding place of birth for the purpose of providing English Language Learners with appropriate services shall be used only for that purpose and not distributed further.
2.129.050 - COMPLAINTS
Allegations of violations of the present policy and may be filed with the City Manager’s Office and in the case of a complaint against an officer or employee of the Cambridge Police Department, the Department’s Professional Standards Unit, who shall investigate the complaint and take appropriate disciplinary action.2.129.060 - REPORTING
Beginning on the date of passage of this ordinance and every six months thereafter, the Cambridge Police Commissioner shall submit a report, with the information detailed below, to the Clerk of the city forward to the City Manager, docket said report, and include the docket on the agenda of the next-occurring meeting of the Public Safety Committee of the City.a. The total number ICE holds, administrative warrants, and notification requests lodged with Cambridge Law Enforcement officials;
b. The total number of individuals detained on an ICE hold or administrative warrants, if any;
c. The total number of individuals transferred to ICE custody, if any; and
d. The total reimbursements received from the federal government pursuant to any granted hold, administrative warrant, or notification request, organized by case.
2.129.070 - COMPLIANCE WITH FEDERAL LAW
Nothing in this ordinance shall be construed to violate any valid federal law, or to prohibit any Cambridge agency or department from providing another law enforcement agency citizenship or information status, consistent with 8 U.S.C. §1373.
Jan 23, 2020
To the City Council:I am resubmitting the Welcoming City Ordinance, complete with amendments that the Cambridge Police and Massachusetts American Civil Liberties Union agreed on. I did not include proposed changes that the Police and ACLU did not agree on, nor did I include amendments that require more information from the Cambridge Police. Below is a summary of the proposed changes that we will discuss in committee.
In Section D, federal requests for information, the Police Department representative stated that the police wish to cooperate with federal agencies outside of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency. The ACLU representative Laura Rotoldo did not object to this change, provided the police state the agencies they want to work with for criminal enforcement, and only cooperate when they are able to show probable cause.
Section E, encountering persons driving without a license, the police requested we strike this section. The ACLU believes this section is integral to the purpose of the Welcoming City Ordinance and should not be taken out. I agree with the ACLU.
In Section F, notice to individuals subject to ICE interventions, the police believe this section is too broad. The ACLU asked for clarification on what paperwork the police would not want shared with a person issued a summons or arrested.
I also received a public inquiry on Section I, raids and other immigrant enforcement actions. A resident was concerned that this section enables Cambridge Police to support ICE during raids, even if in a supporting function.
I am willing to consider amendments to the ordinance, provided we pass the strongest laws protecting our immigrant population possible.
Sincerely,
Dennis Carlone
Cambridge City Council.
O-10 Jan 27, 2020
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
VICE MAYOR MALLON
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
WHEREAS: Congress enacted the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) in 1975 in order to offset the burden of Social Security taxes on taxpayers with low-income, to supplement wages and provide a direct cash refund to households; and
WHEREAS: Since its enactment in 1975, the EITC has lifted millions of families above the poverty line, maintaining a high participation rate relative to other programs designed to serve those with low-income; and
WHEREAS: Each year, millions of employed Americans and thousands of employed Massachusetts residents are eligible for the EITC, but do not realize that they qualify or know how to claim it; and
WHEREAS: The Cambridge Economic Opportunity Committee (CEOC) is a certified IRS VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) site and provides free tax preparation with electronic filing, which can return taxpayers' refunds in 10 days or less; and
WHEREAS: The CEOC provides this service in English, Spanish, Haitian Kreyol, Amharic and Portuguese at its 11 Inman Street office and at sites throughout the Cambridge community in order to make the filing process easy for all tax filers; and
WHEREAS: The CEOC completed over 2,500 tax returns in 2019, resulting in over $5.1 million in state and federal refunds, including over $1.5 million in EITC; and
WHEREAS: The CEOC also assists tax filers in applying for SNAP and other public benefits, including health insurance and ITINs (Individual Tax Identification Numbers), and provides financial education and coaching, individual credit counseling, and FAFSA preparation assistance to support families in achieving economic security; and
WHEREAS: The EITC increases revenues in Cambridge and boosts the overall economy; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record proclaiming Jan 31, 2020 as “Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and Earned Income Tax Credit Awareness Day” in the City of Cambridge, and that working individuals and families in Cambridge be encouraged to recognize the benefits of the EITC and utilize the CEOC’s free tax preparation services to claim the credit and avoid for-profit tax preparer fees.
AWAITING REPORT LIST
16-101. Report on the potential of building below market rental housing on City-owned parking lots along Bishop Allen Drive. On a communication from Councillor McGovern requesting that this matter be forwarded to the 2018-2019 Legislative Session.
Vice Mayor McGovern, Mayor Simmons (O-4) from 12/12/2016
16-108. Report on whether people displaced and qualify for Emergency Status who are using Section 8 in other cities or towns can retain their resident preference for the purpose of Inclusionary Housing. On a communication from Councillor Kelley requesting that this matter be forwarded to the 2018-2019 Legislative Session.
Mayor Simmons, Councillor Toomey (O-4) from 12/19/2016
18-38. Report on inventory of all City-owned vacant buildings and lots and the City's plans for them, if any.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Simmons, Vice Mayor Devereux, Mayor Siddiqui (O-2) from 3/26/2018
18-60. Report on a small business parking pilot that would allow temporary on-street employee parking during typical daytime operating hours.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons (Calendar Item #1) from 5/14/2018
18-66. Report on establishing a Young Adult Civic Unity Committee to be modeled after the Citizen Civic Unity Committee and to recruit applicants from all across the community and across all socio-economic backgrounds.
Councillor Simmons (O-7) from 6/18/2018
18-73. Report on establishing and implementing a dynamic new initiative that will seek to place Port residents (ages 18 and over) on paths to jobs with family-sustaining wages.
Councillor Simmons (O-6) from 6/25/2018
18-119. Report on evaluating the existing capacity of fire stations in the Kendall Square area and whether a new fire station is needed, and if so, determining the feasibility of locating a plot of land for this use.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Toomey (O-2) from 11/5/2018
19-3. Report on establishing a Central Square Improvement Fund and allocate no less than 25% of funds generated to the arts.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern (O-6) from 1/7/2019
19-21. Report on the process for establishing a formal, thorough review of the City’s Affordable Home Ownership programs, incorporating a plan for obtaining and analyzing substantial quantitative data inclusive of all types of units.
Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Toomey (O-3) from 2/25/2019
19-22. Report on the feasibility of allowing small businesses to host live acoustic music performances without a license, and if feasible, present the City Council with a proposal to allow such performances.
Vice Mayor Devereux, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern (O-5) from 2/25/2019
19-45. Report on compiling a full accounting of streets, schools, and public buildings that may be named in honor of those who have ties to the American slave trade, and to work towards renaming all of these streets, schools, and buildings.
Councillor Simmons (O-4) from 4/8/2019
19-49. Report on recommending restrictions on signage specific to retail establishments that sell e-cigarettes and other vaping devices.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Toomey (O-15) from 4/8/2019
19-58. Report on working with the Recycling Advisory Committee and other stakeholders to draft an ordinance banning single-use plastic items in Cambridge.
Councillor Zondervan, Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Carlone (O-6) from 5/13/2019
19-62. Report on drafting a formal Anti-bias /Cultural Competency Strategic Plan for eventual adoption and implementation.
Councillor Simmons (O-2) from 5/20/2019
19-66. Report on whether it is possible to reduce or eliminate Building Permit Fees for 100% affordable housing development projects, through an exemption or other means and investigate what types of real estate tax abatements are possible for 100% affordable housing moving forward.
Vice Mayor Devereux, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Carlone, Councillor McGovern (O-3) from 6/3/2019
19-74. Report on establishing a working committee to review the monuments, memorials, and markers throughout Cambridge to determine whether any of these commemorate those who were linked to the slave trade or engaged in other similarly shameful acts and to determine which individuals should be newly recognized with a monument, memorial, or marker.
Councillor Simmons, Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Devereux, Vice Mayor Mallon (O-2) from 6/10/2019
19-75. Report on exploring the feasibility of partnering with a local research institution to conduct a study that determines how many ridehail vehicles are on the roads during both on and off-peak times and their impacts on congestion and safety.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Kelley, Vice Mayor Devereux (O-4) from 6/10/2019
19-86. Report on developing a Vacant Storefront Registration Policy.
Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon, Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Zondervan (O-5) from 6/24/2019
19-100. Report on the feasibility of implementing an additional regulatory requirement for listing a registration/license number for Short-Term Rentals.
Councillor Kelley, Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons (O-19) from 7/30/2019
19-106. Report on conducting City directed environmental testing on the Sullivan Courthouse building and water in basement, to determine the risk posed to the public, and provide a timeline of completion and to establish an operational understanding directly with DCAMM officials and ask for a state designee for communication/coordination on how the building will be secured and monitored.
Councillor Toomey, Vice Mayor Mallon (O-5) from 9/9/2019
19-118. Report on establishing a series of forums designed to inform Cambridge seniors about the recent wave of financial scams that they must be mindful of, with information as to how they can best protect themselves. See Mgr #7
Councillor Simmons (O-8) from 9/16/2019
19-120. Report on directing enforcement resources towards Bishop Allen Drive and other corridors with lots of vehicular idling and work with rideshare companies to ask them to develop technologies solutions to help alert drivers to the fact that they are illegally idling. See Mgr #8
Councillor Zondervan, Vice Mayor Devereux (O-10) from 9/16/2019
19-123. Report on the feasibility of closing some portion of Harvard Square to vehicular traffic on a select number of days during the summer of 2020 to have open market-style events.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Vice Mayor Devereux, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Zondervan (O-1) from 10/7/2019
19-127. Report on instituting regularly scheduled public conversations between Public Utilities' representatives from Eversource, the Water Dept. Comcast, Verizon and any other appropriate entities to keep the City and public informed.
Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Carlone (O-8) from 10/7/2019
19-128. Report on allocating more funds in the FY21 budget to Inspectional Services and on the feasibility of providing monetary compensation to homeowners who have had to self-finance traps and what funds could be allocated in the future to help homeowners buy traps.
Councillor Toomey (O-11) from 10/7/2019
19-130. Report on requesting to allocate more funds in the FY21 budget for the small business improvement grants and to confer with the Massachusetts Attorney General’s office on whether other cities in Massachusetts have been facing similar issues with ADA compliance and what can be done to protect the small businesses.
Councillor Toomey (O-14) from 10/7/2019
19-132. Report on planting new trees in Magazine Beach Park in the Spring of 2020 with a special focus on the eastern end of the park and the grove area.
Councillor Zondervan, Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor McGovern, Vice Mayor Mallon (O-18) from 10/7/2019
19-134. Report on increasing funding to the City’s HomeBridge program so that access to homeownership may be made available to a wider range of incomes, as the program intends.
Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Toomey (O-20) from 10/7/2019
19-137. Report on determining if ISD can be given the authority to issue citations for smoking in non-smoking buildings and to report back to the City Council.
Councillor McGovern (Calendar Item #4) from 10/7/2019
19-139. Report on determining whether it would be possible to allow a permitted area for serving alcoholic beverages on Danehy Park property during special community-wide events.
Vice Mayor Devereux, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Simmons (Calendar Item #5) from 10/7/2019
19-141. Report on looking into the idea of hiring a social worker in the FY2021 budget for the Central Square Library branch.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor McGovern (Calendar Item #8) from 10/7/2019
19-142. Report on determining the feasibility of expediting the Demolition and Rebuilding permitting process in the event of a natural disaster.
Vice Mayor Mallon (O-1) from 10/21/2019
19-143. Report on the feasibility of piloting a program of assigning additional security officers to work collaboratively with and exclusively within Cambridge Housing Authority premises in and near Central Square and the Port.
Councillor Simmons, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern (O-2) from 10/21/2019
19-144. Report on determining the feasibility of instituting and funding a Fire Cadet Program.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Toomey, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Simmons (O-4) from 10/21/2019
19-145. Report on reviewing all the City’s policies and procedures related to the procurement, installation and disposal of artificial turf.
Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Zondervan (O-7) from 10/21/2019
19-147. Report on installing hearing loop technology inside the Sullivan Chamber as part of the upcoming renovations to City Hall, and in other critical City meeting venues wherever possible and other accessibility improvements.
Councillor Zondervan (O-4) from 10/28/2019
19-151. Report on the feasibility of making Porter Square and Massachusetts Avenue between Roseland Street and Beech Street a quick-build Complete Street with bus priority.
Councillor McGovern, Councillor Zondervan, Vice Mayor Devereux (O-10) from 10/28/2019
19-153. Report on plans designed to mitigate the impact of the closing of Windsor House upon Cambridge seniors.
Councillor Simmons, Councillor McGovern (O-4) from 11/4/2019
19-157. Report on providing an update of when the public Police Dashboard will be fully operational.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Kelley, Councillor McGovern (O-1) from 11/25/2019
19-159. Report on ways to review safety and devise any safety interventions at the corner of Saville Street and Walden Street.
Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Devereux (O-4) from 11/25/2019
20-1. Report on the work that has been done to Support Small Business and the Arts through Tourism.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern (O-2) from 1/13/2020